News & Events

The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) is actively participating in the 32nd General Assembly and Conference of the Association of Southeast and East Asian Catholic Colleges and Universities (ASEACCU), held on August 19–21, 2025, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Representing USJ-R President Rev. Fr. Eduardo S. Celiz Jr., OAR, the university continues to advance its commitment to internationalization and meaningful academic collaboration with institutions across the region and beyond.

A significant highlight of USJ-R’s participation is the forging of partnerships with Sacred Heart (SH) College, Kochi, India, and St. Louis University Baguio through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).

SH College was represented by Dr. C.S. Francis, Vice Principal, while St. Louis University Baguio was represented by Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, University President.

The MOUs establish collaborative partnerships that reflect the institutions’ shared commitment to quality education, research, innovation, and academic development. These agreements open opportunities that can benefit students, faculty, staff, and the wider academic community.

 

 

Lay administrators from the University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R) and representatives from Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (STUST), Osaka Institute of Technology (OIT), and Saint Michael’s College of Laguna (SMCL) gathered for a meeting aimed at exploring opportunities for future international collaboration as part of International Project Based Learning (IPBL) 2026, hosted this year by the USJ-R School of Computer Studies.

The meeting served as a platform for the participating institutions to exchange ideas, share experiences, and discuss possible areas of cooperation in education, research, project-based learning, and international academic engagement.

The gathering highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships among higher education institutions, particularly in creating opportunities for students, faculty members, and administrators to gain international exposure and participate in collaborative learning experiences.

 

The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R), together with Catholic educational leaders and communities across Region VII, gathered for the 2026 Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) Regional Assembly on August 13, 2026, at Mater Dei College in Cabulijan, Tubigon, Bohol. The assembly brought together Catholic educators and leaders in faith, fellowship, and a shared commitment to advancing the mission of Catholic education. Inspired by the 2026 CEAP theme, “Newness in Catholic Education: Charting a Constellation of Hope,” the Regional Assembly renewed the commitment of Catholic educational leaders to provide transformative and faith-filled education. It also strengthened collaboration among CEAP member schools in forming learners who are academically competent, morally upright, socially responsible, and firmly rooted in Gospel values.

Representing USJ-R was the University President and form Regional Trustee of CEAP Region VII (Central Visayas), Rev. Fr. Eduardo S. Celiz, Jr., OAR. During the opening program, Rev. Fr. Celiz emphasized the vital role of Catholic schools in forming not only academically capable learners but also compassionate, understanding, and service-oriented individuals. He underscored the importance of education that goes beyond academic excellence, nurturing persons who are committed to serving others and living out the values of the Gospel.

As part of the assembly, Rev. Fr. Celiz also presented the Regional Trustees’ Report, highlighting key developments, initiatives, and priorities in advancing the mission of Catholic education in Central Visayas. As the region’s premier formation and networking event, the CEAP Regional Assembly provides Catholic educational institutions with opportunities for professional development, faith formation, policy updates, institutional collaboration, and the sharing of best practices.

This year’s Regional Assembly also serves as a meaningful preparation for the 2026 CEAP National Convention, scheduled for September 22–25, 2026, at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City. Through keynote presentations, concurrent sessions, and collaborative discussions aligned with national priorities, the assembly continues to strengthen the shared mission of Catholic education and inspire schools to chart new pathways of hope for the learners and communities they serve.

 

Religious administrators from various Recoletos educational institutions gathered for a seminar on corporate governance, highlighting the importance of accountable leadership, institutional sustainability, and fidelity to the Augustinian-Recollect educational mission. The seminar featured Engr. Segismundo F. Exaltacion Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer of Tsuneishi Technical Services Philippines, Inc. (TTSP), who shared insights on how corporate governance principles can be adapted to religious and nonprofit educational institutions.Exaltacion emphasized that corporate governance is not limited to business corporations. It is a framework of rules, processes, systems, and practices that guides boards and management in making sound, transparent, and responsible decisions.

He stressed the importance of clearly distinguishing the roles of the Board of Trustees and management, noting that effective governance requires both bodies to work together while maintaining appropriate checks and responsibilities.Among the key principles discussed were fairness, accountability, transparency, responsibility, ethics, compliance, independence, and stakeholder engagement. For educational institutions, Exaltacion noted that governance must take into account a broad range of stakeholders, including trustees, administrators, faculty members, non-teaching personnel, students, parents, alumni, regulators, the Augustinian Recollect Order, local communities, industry partners, donors, and benefactors. He also underscored the value of independence of mind among board members, particularly the courage to express differing views when necessary. The discussion also touched on environmental, social, and governance considerations, encouraging institutions to examine not only financial performance but also areas such as energy use, waste management, employee satisfaction, stakeholder satisfaction, community engagement, and institutional reputation.

 

The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), through the Center for Policy, Research, and Development Studies (CPRDS), presented the results of the Citizen Satisfaction Index System (CSIS) Report for Mandaue City to representatives of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mandaue City.

Since 2014, USJ-R has served as a long-standing Local Resource Institute (LRI) partner of the DILG in implementing the CSIS, a governance and performance-measurement tool that gathers structured public feedback on local government service delivery.

Through the CSIS, the DILG Region 7 (DILG-7) helps local government units better understand citizens’ experiences, assess satisfaction with public services, and identify areas for improvement. The data gathered through the system provides valuable insights that can support evidence-based decision-making and more responsive governance.

 

Two Josenians are set to bring Filipino innovation to Singapore as Minette Cabaluna and Jim Niño Gonzales of the University of San Jose-Recoletos Senior High School (USJ-R SHS) secured a Top 3 spot in the JA Asia-Pacific (APAC) FedEx International Trade Challenge (ITC) 2026. The Grade 12 Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) Josenians, representing Team “The Visionary”, will represent the Philippines alongside ArkSight of Mandaue City Comprehensive National High School and TeamMate of Everest International Academy.

Their winning entry, Chuồn Chuồn, Vietnamese for “dragonfly,” is a drone service application designed to simplify warehouse monitoring and inventory tracking. It features Chuồn2Bot, an AI-powered chatbot that allows users to manage drones and monitor inventory through a conversational interface.

According to coach Michael Bryn Ortiz, the team faced the challenge of developing a fresh solution for the competition’s AI Inventory Management System theme. To address this, the students developed MESP Market Entry Strategy Plan, a mini business plan focused on practical solutions to identified inventory-management concerns.

After being selected among the Top 10 teams in the Philippines, the students advanced through the interview and presentation stages. One of the judges’ notable comments described their product as “very refreshing,” recognizing the team’s creative approach to AI inventory management. Now, Cabaluna and Gonzales are set to bring their innovation to Singapore, carrying the Philippine flag as they compete on the Asia-Pacific stage.

 

The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R), through the School of Arts and Sciences' Department of Communication, Languages, and Literature (DCLL), has strengthened its commitment to academic excellence by forging a strategic partnership with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at advancing higher education, research, and academic collaboration between the two institutions. The understanding brings together the USJ-R DCLL and the PUP Department of Communication Research under a shared vision of fostering academic exchange, strengthening instruction, advancing research, and promoting extension and community engagement initiatives. It also seeks to provide meaningful opportunities for faculty members, researchers, students, and academic communities through collaborative scholarly engagements.

Representing the USJ-R DCLL during the ceremonial signing were Dr. Ian Jarabelo, DCLL Chairperson, and faculty member Dr. Ethel Luz Medado. Representing PUP were Dr. Joey Alagaran, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Jeffrey Ancheta, Chairperson of the PUP Department of Communication Research. Through the partnership, USJ-R and PUP will undertake a range of collaborative initiatives, including faculty exchange and academic engagement programs, joint seminars and webinars, research workshops, external research evaluation, collaborative research projects, and extension and community engagement activities. The understanding also opens opportunities for future academic projects that promote communication education, media literacy, research productivity, and knowledge-sharing between the two universities.

 

The University of San Jose–Recoletos (USJ-R), through its School of Arts and Sciences (SAS), hosted a successful virtual cultural exchange with 18 International Studies students from Tokai University, Japan on July 24, 2026, marking another milestone in the University's continuing efforts to strengthen international partnerships and promote global learning. The online exchange brought together International Studies students from both institutions in a meaningful dialogue that celebrated cultural diversity, mutual understanding, and global citizenship. The activity also laid the groundwork for the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between USJ-R and Tokai University in August 2026, which will further strengthen academic cooperation and intercultural engagement between the two institutions.

In his welcome address, Dr. Le Munalim, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, warmly welcomed the Tokai University delegation and emphasized the importance of fostering meaningful international collaborations. "This exchange is more than just an online meeting—it is a bridge that connects two nations, two universities, and two cultures. Through this initiative, our students become ambassadors of their heritage while developing the global perspectives needed to thrive in an interconnected world," Dr. Munalim said. Representing Tokai University were Mr. Daiki Harada and Ms. Odessa Harada, whose support and coordination made the virtual engagement possible. Joining the USJ-R delegation were Mr. Giovanni Pierro C. Malitao Jr., Chair of the Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy(DSSP); Dr. Ian Jarabelo, Chair of the Department of Communication, Languages and Literature(DCLL); and Ms. Niel Bird Canoy, Administrative Assistant.

 

The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), through its School of Computer Studies (SCS), has strengthened its commitment to research excellence by formalizing a collaborative partnership with Cebu Institute of Technology–University (CIT-U) and Saint Michael College of Laguna (SMCL) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The agreement establishes a framework for advancing collaborative research, innovation, academic engagement, and institutional development. The partnership reflects the three institutions' shared commitment to promoting interdisciplinary research, knowledge exchange, faculty development, student engagement, and institutional cooperation. It provides a structured framework for future collaborations while ensuring that each institution maintains its independence and upholds established standards on intellectual property, confidentiality, research ethics, and regulatory compliance.

Under the agreement, the partner institutions may undertake a wide range of collaborative initiatives, including joint and interdisciplinary research projects, co-authored publications, conference participation, faculty and researcher exchange programs, student research and thesis collaboration, capability-building workshops and training, as well as the sharing of laboratories, equipment, databases, and other academic resources. The collaboration also creates opportunities for joint grant applications, innovation and technology transfer, commercialization initiatives, and community-based research projects.

 

The University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) and the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office (CPTO) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Cebu Geographical Indication (GI) Culinary Heritage Research and Development Project, a province-wide initiative aimed at identifying, documenting, and protecting Cebu's traditional food products through the country's Geographical Indication (GI) System. The Geographical Indication (GI) System, administered by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), is an intellectual property framework that recognizes and protects products whose unique qualities, reputation, or characteristics are essentially linked to their place of origin. Through GI protection, local products gain legal recognition, helping preserve cultural heritage, strengthen consumer confidence, and enhance the market competitiveness of communities that produce these distinct goods.

Spearheaded by the USJ-R School of Business and Management's Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, in coordination with the Center for Policy, Research, and Development Studies (CPRDS), the project combines the University's academic and research expertise with CPTO's commitment to tourism development and cultural preservation. The collaboration strengthens efforts to safeguard Cebu's rich culinary heritage while promoting local enterprise and tourism competitiveness. Under the agreement, USJ-R will lead the research design, field documentation, data gathering, and preparation of GI technical dossiers with the support of its faculty and student researchers. CPTO, meanwhile, will coordinate with local government units, producer groups, and other stakeholders and integrate the project's outputs into the province's tourism development programs.